Falling Slowly

Chapter 24 - Second Chances

I wrapped my arms around Bestie and held onto him tightly. I couldn't believe he was leaving me. Damian held me and patted my back comfortingly as I cried my silent tears. Winter break was already coming to an end, and now it was time for him to leave.

Although I didn't want to be selfish and make him stay, that didn't stop the words from slipping out of my mouth. "I need you here."

Bestie rubbed my back soothingly as he held on to me even tighter. "I know, Beaks. I know." He pulled away from me and used his thumbs to wipe away my tears. "But I know that you'll be okay without me. You are so strong and beautiful. No one can tell you otherwise, okay? You are valuable Beaks. Remember that."

He slowly leaned in and kissed me on the cheek. "Be safe, okay? I'll be back in a few weeks. It'll be like I never left."

I shook my head frantically. I wouldn't be able to follow any if his words, because I didn't believe that I was strong an beautiful and all those other words he said. I just needed him. My Bestie, by my side.

"Damian, are you ready to go now? The plane's leaving soon." My dad said.

Damian stepped away from me and nodded. "Don't forget what I said Beaks. I'll call you when I get there." He quickly gave me one last hug before grabbing his suitcase and backpack and walking over to my father.

They exchanged a few words and ended up sharing a formal handshake. My vision was becoming blurry as I watched him wave and then turn around and walk toward the security checkpoint. He was leaving. He was gone. Who was I supposed to depend on now? Who was going to be my friend? I missed him already.

On the car ride back home I curled up into a ball and silently let out more tears. I wish he were still here. But now that he was gone, my mind clung to my most recent memories with him. One of them was the conversation I had with him about Jacob the night I came back from his house.

"Rebecca, why are you crying? What happened?" His eyes were filled with concern as he pulled me into the house and wrapped his arms around me.

I pushed him away and began going up the stairs. There wasn't any reason why I should talk to him about Jacob. After all, with all the glares they shared I'm sure Bestie hated him anyways.

"Rebecca!" He chased me up the stairs and tried to get me to stop running. He grabbed me by my waist and held on tightly as I struggled to get free. "Take a deep breath. It's okay, I'm not going to judge you. I just want to know what's wrong."

At that moment my dad exited his room and began coming down the stairs. When he saw us his eyebrows were raised and he looked at Damian. They shared some silent communication before my father shook his head and continued down the stairs.

As Damian was still focused on my father, I freed myself from his arms and ran up to my room. Quickly slamming the door I threw myself onto my bed and took deep breaths. Jacob. He's finally given up on me. But I- I think I've finally accepted what's been here the whole time. Or maybe I'm just delusional. 

The door slowly opened as Bestie walked in. "Hey, I understand that you're upset, but if you just tell me what's going on I'll promise you'll feel better." He walked up to my bed and sat on the edge. My eyes followed him as he reached out and comfortingly held my hand. "Beaks?" He pleaded again. 

Slowly sitting up on my bed, I took a deep breath and frowned. "What do you want to know?" 

He gave me a small smile and asked, "Where were you today?" 

"I was at Lyla's house. But then as I was walking to the bus stop I saw that creeper Keith, and then Jacob was there. And I don't really know what the hell happened but I ended up going to his house." His eyebrows rose as I continued. "And then he said some things and I started crying then I fell asleep and now I'm here after taking the bus."